TIMESKIP: NIGHTTIME 

His words cut deep when he spoke of me...the display of brotherly love is something we came ever so close to...during our time of greatest need, one of us would step forward and rescue the other...but tonight was different...this will be the moment when Natsuki Subaru...will save me.

-Going back to my room, I covered myself with the sheets and thought of what he said-

"In terms of friendship...I see him more as my brother".

Jiro: (Addresses) Do you truly consider me...your brother, Subaru?!

-Turning over to try falling asleep, the hear of his cries couldn't leave my mind...so I decided to get dressed and walk around the hallways to clear my thoughts-

???: I judged you for being the know-it-all and here I am, proven wrong...for the first time. But, it actually irritates me for you believing that Subaru considers someone as terrible and pathetic like yourself, Family? Don't make me laugh...he's never cared about you and never will...

-Shaking my head no, I shouted at 'her' in anger-

Jiro: What do you know about "family"? You've never done anything for anyone I bet...always caring about what you want...

???: <Smiling> You are absolutely correct, Jiro. I do care about myself...because the "family" I once adored so much never gave in any notion that maybe I, too, was suffering tremendously. That's why I see people as insignificant and spiteful creatures...humanity as a whole...only focus on themselves, why shouldn't I do the same? Judging those whom I deem "guilty" was my most righteous act...it made me realize how evil someone is...in the heart...

-Ignoring her perceptive speech based on humanity, and selfishness...I had something to die for. That is called friendship-

Jiro: No...you are wrong, I do have something looking forward to...and that's helping my friend. So, you can either step aside, or perish...

-In amazement, she barked back at me in outrage-

???: (Angry) How dare you speak to your "master" that way? I will crush you between my teeth if I tried. But, there's no point in destroying something already broken. Good luck with Subaru...I heard he's pretty ambitious in getting what he wanted...even if it cost someone's life.

-Fading into nothingness, I resume walking throughout the hallway. Until, I came across the library...maybe I could find the answers here. So, I unlocked the door and there lies Beatrice reading a book on a stool. Uncaring to find out who was in front of her, I close the door in ease- 

Jiro: (Thinking) I gotta figure out, who's behind this by tonight...otherwise Subaru will have to "restart" the story again...and I won't allow that to happen. Not to him... <trying to pull out a book from the aura section before my hand is drifted away by a strong force> ......Beatrice?

Beatrice: Please, Jiro...don't be an idiot... I guard Lord Roswaal's tomes and secrets hidden inside this library. Even if you are less annoying than that chattering monkey (Subaru) I can't allow you to take anything of your choosing...

Jiro: I apologize, Beatrice <bows> but I truly need help. The 'culprit' is out there and waiting for us all to kill each other...

Beatrice: Culprit? What do you mean?

Jiro: I can't exactly identify who it is behind the curtains but someone is pulling a trick on everyone inside this mansion. A magic user to be certain. <rubs his chin> A powerful sorcerer---or sorceress. <looking at the loli>

Beatrice: Oh?! And you think I'm the one who's causing the ruckus here....

Jiro: Well, yeah! It is possible for you to be the assailant...

Beatrice: I clearly understand you're very perceptive and distrustful when it comes to futuristic problems but I promise...if I wanted to do something vile and immoral, I would wipe out any evidence concerning my involvement in these current affairs. 

-Hearing her response, she sounds honest...but I still needed to know-

Jiro: I believe you...

Beatrice: Wow, you do?! How odd?! For a second, I thought you wouldn't rule me out.

Jiro: I can see it in your eyes that you are telling the truth...and besides I've known you for a while so it's hard to accuse someone for murder unless I had enough reason to suspect you.

Beatrice: My! I could see you like to "read" people. So...distrustful, it is quite unsettling.

Jiro: What can I say?! I am a "Scorpio" after all. <chuckling> 

Beatrice: Anyways, I decided to help you on your current predicament. But, you must touch nothing unless I say so...Do you understand?! <motherly tone>

Jiro: Absolutely!  <rubs my hands together> Let's get digging, shall we?

Beatrice: Digging is a poor term to use for investigation. Here I thought someone of your status was more---"intellectual" about these sort of things...

Jiro: Ouch! My ego is bruised...may you heal this broken heart?

Beatrice: Don't know...I might break something else if you keep annoying me...

Jiro: Okay, I'll shut up now... <recalling the event when she turned me into a cripple>

Beatrice: Good...now we can begin. What is it, you are trying to find? <peering through the section of books/tomes>

Jiro: I-umm...don't know exactly. I can only tell you that someone or something is forcing the  victim to meet their demise. Maybe by a spell perhaps...Invisibility.

Beatrice: That is a rather preposterous assumption. Seeking out the "culprit" the only two people capable of doing something like that is myself or Lord Roswaal. But, even he wouldn't bother with the likes of an idiot...

-Scratching my stubble chin, I had to brainstorm and really think of those whom might engage in such a violent action.-

Jiro: Ooooo!!! I got one!

Beatrice: Who do you presume the culprit is?

Jiro: Well, for my deduction list. The entire residence inside this very mansion is ruled out of question...meaning it can only leave out a single group!

Beatrice: (Smiles) The village...Irlam Village is your prediction...Jiro?

Jiro: Yes. There wouldn't be no other reason why someone would try to kill us...especially in our sleep. A dark power is lurking around the night, stalking for its next prey. 

Beatrice: I could say that is a fair point. But if someone was using "dark magic" as you stated. They would need to unleash a special curse upon the victim to elaborate on their plan.

Jiro: Presuming that they would say...umm <itches hair> um...

Beatrice: You dolt...it is more complicated than you think. The culprit had to cast a spell by forms of touch...it wouldn't dare to speak in their tongue for the rest to find out. Its curse has to be a secretive otherwise the plan would've failed...that would mean one thing... <grabbing ahold of a informative tome of research>

Jiro: Yes?! Who do you think it might be?

Beatrice: A Shaman?! That's my guess by your answer. He/She is the one causing your so-called problems...but how... <confused> 

Jiro: How what?

Beatrice: How do you know someone was casting a curse upon us? or even you?

Jiro: Oh...um...I learn by experience. It Happened before but I was too helpless and slow to recognize the curse was already casted...

Beatrice: Hmm...well that is interesting. To think that someone would dare cast a curse on the likes of a "nice-looking" boy...

Jiro: (Blushes) Please Beatrice. I don't wanna catch a "case" for a girl like yourself. Anyways, I would rather live the rest of my life without any regrets... 

Beatrice: Fine...then... <reading the book>

-Questioning her actions, she was acting weird-

Jiro: What? You miss Puck again? Don't worry---Subaru won't find out!

Beatrice: Ugh, don't you dare mention that scene ever again...or I will push you outta that window. 

Jiro: Alright....my apologies. Just trying to make the conservation less awkward...

Beatrice: (Sassy) It would be less awkward if you didn't speak at all...Jiro.

-Mocking the bookworm, I began to mouth-off-

Jiro: (Mouthing the words) "It would be less awkward if you didn't speak at all...Jiro...blah blah blah...I know you're hella cute and I got crush on you...but do you mind shutting up for once, jeez? 

-Finding out she heard me say something rude, the loli turned around with a menacing glare-

Beatrice: (Threatening to cast a spell) Got anything to say, Ren Jiro?! 

Jiro: No, Ma'am...

Beatrice: That's what I thought, you spineless worm?!

-Recognizing she said something completely out of character and idiotic, I could only blame the writer for doing such a terrible job-

Jiro: So...do you think a shaman is truly behind this? I don't wanna get this wrong!

Beatrice: I believe so... <smiling> but, you will be my experiment.

Jiro: Experiment?! Like a guinea pig?!

Beatrice: More like a possum playing dead...You...My friend...Are...the...Bait!!!

Jiro: Yeah---that sounds----WHAT?! ME?! 

-Waving my hands in shock, I went towards the door-

Beatrice: Are you seriously willing to risk the lives of your friends for the sake of one, single test run?! I can clearly see now you lack the "courage" compared to Subaru...even that idiot is brave enough to face his fears...alone.

-Turning around, there was no going back...not after the hell we both went through to get here-

Jiro: (Persistent) What would you have me do, lie on a large platter with seasoning over me as the shaman presents himself?

Beatrice: If you think that would work go ahead in try, you'll be dead in seconds...if he or she doesn't kill you, your embarrassment would! 

Jiro: Forget I said anything previously, but really? How am I going to lure him or her out?

Beatrice: Well, I do have an idea...but I want you, Jiro to remain perceptive?! 

Jiro: Yeah, whatever...what do you suggest I do?

Beatrice: To lure out the culprit, you must allow yourself to get caught...in your position, I would identify each person you come into contact with...

Jiro: Even the children?!

Beatrice: Yes, especially the children. You never know...they could be possessed or even worse coerced into mastering the dark arts...

Jiro: I guess that's reasonable, but how would you tell that the curse is placed on me?

Beatrice: By magic, you idiot. I can sense where the curse is since the culprit revealed their touch. 

Jiro: (Staggered) OH! That's really smart of you, Beatrice!

Beatrice: What can I say? I am one of the rarest beings on Lugnica. Knowledge is more precious to me than the ignorance of this world. 

Jiro: Yeesh---you could be less harsh on others...

Beatrice: If I pretend to be kind to people, Jiro. What will they gain? Should I lie to others as if I cared? They deserve the truth and I'm more than willing to give it to them...

Jiro: Understandable...<Yawns> You should head to bed now, Beatrice. Reading too much can hurt your eyes...

-Walking up to her, she glares at me in annoyance-

Beatrice: I'm never tired...

Jiro: (Shrugs) If you say so! <holding out my hand>

Beatrice: (Confused) What are you doing, Jiro?!

Jiro: What does it look like? This is how I thank people who've been aided me! Please accept this as gratitude! A token or a start to our friendship perhaps.

-Refusing to shake my hand at first, Betty finally reaches over to me-

Beatrice: Sure, we can be friends...but---

Jiro: But what?

Beatrice: You will not mention this to Subaru or else...

Jiro: Or else you'll kill me...yeah I know...I promise not to tell anyone.

Beatrice: Then I accept your offer. 

8/31/20